Steve McQueen Car Auctioned for Record Amount

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Sokolove Law

Even decades after his death from mesothelioma, screen icon Steve McQueen is still regarded as one of the most popular film stars of the 20th Century. The most recent example of his popularity was seen this month when a car he used in the 1971 film Le Mans was auctioned off for a record-setting $11 million by RM Auctions.

The car, and orange and powder blue 1968 Ford GT40, had been used in races in1968 and 1969 by David Hobbs. It won one event in Monza Italy. After being purchased by McQueens production company, the actor used it as the camera car during the production of Le Mans.

According to The New York Times, the GT40 program was commissioned by Henry Ford II so the company could put a car in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race that could compete with, and defeat, Ferrari vehicles.

The $11 million that the vehicle was auctioned off for set a new record, besting the $10.34 million that a 1931 Duesenberg roadster sold for in 2011.

McQueen died on November 7, 1980 at the age of 50, only months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. He attributed the likely cause of his mesothelioma diagnosis to the asbestos-lined suits he regularly wore while riding his motorcycles, as well as the asbestos stripping duties he often had to perform during his time in the Marine Corps from 1947-1950.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma that can be attributed to asbestos exposure, there may be legal options available. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about possibly pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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